Illini in the NFL - Wild Card Weekend

All six former Illini who suited up for Wild Card Weekend helped their teams
advance to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Pierre Thomas put on a
solid performance with over 100 yards of offense and a rushing
touchdown, Neil Rackers nailed a 39-yard field goal and David Diehl
helped pave the way for 172 rushing yards.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints - Scored the final touchdown on this 1-yard run and gained 121 yards of total offense in a 45-28 win over the Lions. Thomas finished with eight rushes for 66 yards, including this 31-yard and 18-yard pickup, and six catches for 55 yards. The Saints will play at the 49ers in the next round on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 3:30 p.m. CT on FOX.

Neil Rackers, PK, Houston Texans - Sent this 39-yard field goal through the uprights and hit four extra points in a 31-10 win over the Bengals. The Texans will play at the Ravens in the next round on Sunday, Jan. 15 at noon CT on CBS.

David Diehl, OT, New York Giants - Started at left tackle for the Giants, who rushed for 172 yards in a 24-2 win over the Falcons. The Giants will play the Packers in the next round on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3:30 p.m. CT on FOX.

Steve Weatherford, P, New York Giants - Averaged 45.8 yards on four punts in a 24-2 win over the Falcons.

Martez Wilson, LB, New Orleans Saints - Made his second career start at linebacker for the Saints, who defeated the Lions 45-28.

Nate Bussey, LB, New Orleans Saints - Played in his first career NFL game in the 45-28 win over the Lions.